drakes2

That's what I found on the Eclipse in May during my 11 night Hawaii cruise. They took the easy way out and were offering basic package wines when they ran out of Premium. Even at the Casino bar I asked for Villa Maria and bar staff member said he'd have to go look for it elsewhere.

I didn't miss the balcony on the Edge. On sea days I'm at the pool between 9 to 5 and port days I'm on an excursion. On one of my S class ships I booked a balcony which was $100 per day over the price of an inside cabin. I spent approximately 20 minutes a day there.

@LGW59I didn't think I could either until I stayed in one during my February Edge cruise this year. Huge King bed lots of drawer and closet space plus beautiful bathroom. Same square footage as balcony minus that awful so called verandah. Only time spent in cabin was to sleep and change.

Exactly. Never booked one and never will. Actually love the Edge inside cabins. If I need to look outside pool deck literally steps away from my cabin. The money saved covered my flight.

Why would someone pay for a balcony cabin and not use it unless they just like to look outside. Seems a waste of money.

Never been in one but haven't read too many positive reviews about it. I'd take it if a free upgrade from an inside cabin.

I have met quite a few people who have been to le petit chef and all say one and done.

I don't like many of the desserts in MDR except for creme Brule but can't eat it every night. I usually opt for Cafe el bacio as well.

That's a long time for $100.

That's great you got the credit. How long did it take? I just do disputes through my credit card company and let them hash it out with the vendor.

People won't listen until the damage is irreversible.

@grandgeezernot to mention the liver damage all that alcohol can do if you continue to consume high levels.

The small Evian is $3.50 and 5.50 for large. Not too sure about perrier either $2 50 or $3 50. The specialty teas in cafe el bacio the ones in little yellow boxes are $5. (I asked the price). I would take one to cabin and then use it in spa Cafe in the morning. Had my cocktail each night at World class bar. Love the 25th anniversary martini it is $1 surcharge over premium package. Once I got charged the extra buck plus gratuities. So if you do the math yes you can and will come out ahead. Just 2 large Evian water a day will take you there.

@PinkSandGirlthey even had a large slice of pineapple on the rim but I think we ate it before taking picture. $7 during HH. Drinks and dessert all in one. Yummy.

When I opt out of the AI package I utilize my HH Elite benefits. Recently while on the Edge I frequented the bar in Eden made sure my wine was topped up prior to dinner. Many nights I was able to get Decoy cab and when they didn't have it they substituted with a great Aussie cabernet. I don't like the Pina Coladas onboard, prefer to wait till I get to a port much much better and stronger. They also use Coco Lopez coconut cream as opposed to the awful mix on the ship. One of the best was a few weeks ago on Waikiki Beach during happy hour.

Its 2 years away and sure to be many hotel cancellations. I would hold off. Don't fly in day of cruise unless time change in your favor.

Same here I've done both cruise only and AI and would only book AI if worked out to less than $100 a day extra. My Elite wifi is sufficient as is HH drinks. Sometimes the wine choices for free drinks are pretty good at least they were on my February Edge cruise as did not take package. Was able to enjoy martinis some nice Australian cabernets and Aperol spritzers from 5 to 7 pm. On my Eclipse April May sailing wine choices were not the best. That cruise had 6 sea days so made the most of my Premium package during the day.

I drink a large bottle of Evian every day on the ship plus a small perrier with dinner. I think that alone covers the upgrade to the PBP. Also love the drinks at World class bar; not fussed on the martini bar as I make my own great martinis at home . Love Cafe El Bacio's Aspen Coffee and stop by every morning on my way to the MDR for breakfast. I do believe I got my moneys worth on my last cruise.

I feel the same way although just Elite I don't need the AI package. Plan on a 10 night Southern itinerary this fall with only 4 sea days. Most of my excursions are water based with lunch and drinks served so by the time I return to ship I've had my fill of alcohol although I do love my wine with dinner. My 120 minutes of internet combined with free wifi in ports is plenty.

I've done many cruises without free wifi and drink packages and have managed fine. Actually the only times I did the AI was last November on Silhouette and this April on Eclipse. I did enjoy the perrier and Evian included with premium but can still bring a case onboard which I have done on the February Edge as the cruise only rate I had was so good just not worth upgrading. Also took advantage of my HH drinks. Worked out great. As far as wifi you can always find it free in the ports of call. My 90 minutes Elite wifi was all I needed onboard.

Afraid not.

I just got off the phone with my CVP asking if I could book a solo cruise rate for this fall without all inclusive and he said Celebrity is not offering it just cruise only rates based on double occupancy. So I guess I'll look at other lines or a land vacation. Obviously they need revenue to continue to survive.

It was not all classic package wines just certain wines I wanted on the PBP were not available. I could have had the Elegance PN but do enjoy switching it up. This was the first Eclipse sailing in over 2 years and they just were not ready to sail. Perhaps in your cruise they substituted equivalent or better wines but they were not doing it on this cruise unless you paid the difference. No exceptions. One might I ordered the Opus cab and paid $10 extra plus gratuities. Seems Celebrity doesn't want to be out that amount of money.

I know this has been discussed several times on these boards but why substitute a wine priced at $9 per glass when a guest has already paid an upcharge? I realize they do have other wines on the premium package so if my favorite cab is not available they can offer something else at the same price point. If the guest doesn't care for a white or sauvignon blanc on that particular night thats not their issue. They certainly won't give you a better wine at no additional charge. They have done this in the past but it appears its no longer the case. The same applies to any land restaurant.

Had a bad experience with AI on celebrity recently as paid for premium beverage package and they run out of good cabernets as well as other wines so push wines from basic package on you. This is robbery as we pay a lot of money for these packages but they do not care. I plan on a fall cruise and looking for cruise only rate if I can't find one I just won't do a cruise. Shame on Celebrity.